Monday, April 27, 2009

Upside down?

Last week I asked Sarah a question - does it matter which way you plant the seeds? I know bulbs have to go in the ground the right way to grow right, but do other kinds of seeds? I vaguely remember something from 9th grade bio about how roots will always grow down.

However, I don't think this is the case. I planted some morning glories on Thursday before I went away for the weekend. When I came back last night, most of them had grown a few inches tall, but about 3 of the 12 grew with the roots coming up and the sprout going down. It was really creepy looking and I wish I had taken a picture. I actually took them out and turned them the right way around to see if that would save their confused, topsy turvy lives. I guess I'll see when I get home tonight!

In other news, I also transplanted my zinnia seedlings on Thursday. They did not look so good last night. It's really windy out on the terrace, so I think that may have hurt them. Also, the extreme heat and lack of water while I was gone may have been an issue. I hope they can be revived! If not, I have many more seeds to sow.

4 comments:

  1. I've never heard of this happening. You think the seed was upside down and it just kept growing?

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  2. I know, it's really strange. The seed was growing into the soil and the white roots were sticking up. It is possible that Steve messed with them. but I doubt it.

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  3. I don't know why your morning glory seeds did what they did. On flower seeds you just lay then in/on the ground. Anyway on some seeds it's hard to even see what they look like! I'm sure the wind hurt the zinnias. The wind can really dry the ground out. I posted on my blog today a still life image of some of my blue morning glories from a few years back. Come and "smell the flowers" at http://photographyhints.blogspot.com

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  4. I doubt Steve messed with them. He wouldn't think of it in between singing show tunes.

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